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  • President Lees Approval Rating Hits Record Low Since Taking Office
    President Lee's Approval Rating Hits Record Low Since Taking Office 이재명 대통령의 국정운영 지지율이 42.8%로 떨어지며 한국사회여론연구소(KSOI) 조사 기준 취임 후 최저치를 기록했다. 부정 평가는 52.5%로 상승하면서 긍정 평가를 오차범위 밖에서 앞섰다. 20일 KSOI가 지난 18~19일 전국 만 18세 이상 남녀 1001명을 대상으로 실시한 정기 여론조사에 따르면 이 대통령의 국정운영에 대한 긍정 평가는 42.8%로 집계됐다. 직전 조사보다 5.0%포인트(p) 하락한 수치다. 긍정 평가 가운데 ‘매우 잘하고 있다’는 23.3%, ‘대체로 잘하고 있다’는 19.5%였다. 부정 평가는 직전 조사보다 5.7%p 오른 52.5%로, ‘매우 잘못하고 있다’ 38.7%, ‘대체로 잘못하고 있다’ 13.9%로 조사됐다. 긍정과 부정 평가의 격차는 9.7%p다. 이 대통령의 지지율은 KSOI 조사에서 지난 7월 둘째 주 54.7%를 기록한 뒤 7월 넷째 주 48.8%, 8월 첫째 주 47.8%, 8월 셋째 주 42.8%로 세 차례 연속 하락했다. 이번 수치는 KSOI가 지난해 6월 정기조사를 시작한 이후 가장 낮다. 연령별로는 20대와 30대의 부정 평가가 두드러졌다. 20대는 긍정 29.8%, 부정 61.4%였고 30대는 긍정 29.5%, 부정 69.2%로 나타났다. 반면 40대와 60대에서는 긍정 평가가 각각 52.2%, 50.5%로 과반을 기록했다. 40대의 긍정 평가는 직전 조사보다 14.0%p 하락했고 50대도 13.9%p 떨어졌다. 지역별 부정 평가는 서울이 60.7%로 가장 높았다. 대전·세종·충청 59.1%, 대구·경북 55.0%, 경기·인천 54.4%, 부산·울산·경남 52.4%가 뒤를 이었다. 전남·광주·전북에서는 긍정 평가가 71.9%로 나타났다. 국정운영을 가장 잘하고 있는 분야와 가장 잘못하고 있는 분야 모두 ‘경제 회복’이 첫손에 꼽혔다. 긍정 평가 분야에서는 경제 회복이 16.6%, 외교·안보가 14.9%였고, 부정 평가 분야에서는 경제 회복 19.1%, 내란 세력 척결 16.1%, 국민통합 13.9% 순이었다. 지난 13일 정부가 발표한 부동산 대책이 주택시장 안정에 ‘효과가 없을 것’이라는 응답은 51.8%로, ‘효과가 있을 것’이라는 응답 25.4%의 두 배를 웃돌았다. 서울에서는 부정적 전망이 61.6%, 30대에서는 72.0%에 달했다. KSOI는 중도층과 40·50대, 진보층 등 기존 지지 기반의 약화와 부동산 정책에 대한 우려가 지지율 하락에 영향을 미친 것으로 분석했다. 더불어민주당 전당대회 직후 조사임에도 이른바 ‘컨벤션 효과’가 대통령 지지율 상승으로 이어지지 못했다고 평가했다. 정당 지지도는 더불어민주당 42.5%, 국민의힘 32.0%로 양당 모두 직전 조사보다 1.4%p 상승했다. 두 정당의 격차는 10.5%p로 직전 조사와 같았다. 민주당 지지율과 이 대통령의 국정운영 긍정 평가 간 격차는 0.3%p에 그쳤다. 한편 이번 조사는 통신 3사가 제공한 무선 가상번호를 활용한 ARS 자동응답 방식으로 진행됐다. 응답률은 5.8%, 표본오차는 95% 신뢰수준에서 ±3.1%p다. 자세한 사항은 중앙선거여론조사심의위원회 홈페이지에서 확인하면 된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:08:00
  • LG Electronics takes materials business offshore with marine restoration project
    LG Electronics takes materials business offshore with marine restoration project Courtesy of LG Electronics SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - LG Electronics is expanding its push into functional materials beyond home appliances, deploying a proprietary mineral-releasing material in a four-year marine restoration project as it seeks to develop the technology into a new business-to-business growth engine. The company said Thursday it signed an agreement with South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Gyeongsang Province and the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency to create an underwater forest off Goseong on the country's southern coast. Under the project, the partners will apply LG Marine Balance, a functional material developed by LG, across about 1.5 square kilometers of waters off Deokmyeong-ri in Goseong between 2026 and 2029. The material releases mineral ions when it comes into contact with water, supplying nutrients used by seaweed and salt-tolerant plants. LG said it can adjust the amount and speed at which minerals are released depending on environmental conditions and manufacture the material in different forms, including beads and flat chips. Government agencies and other participants will monitor seaweed growth and changes in the marine environment after the material is deployed. LG has already been testing the technology at a 1,500-square-meter salt marsh near the Nakdong River estuary in Busan and another 1,500-square-meter site in the Suncheon Bay tidal flats. The project also forms part of LG's effort to turn decades of research in glass powder-based functional materials into a commercial B2B business. LG began researching the materials in 1996 and has secured about 420 related patents. Last year, it completed regulatory registrations for antimicrobial agents required to enter the U.S. and European markets, according to the company. The company currently operates a functional-materials production line with annual capacity of about 4,500 metric tons at its Changwon Smart Park and recently added a 2,000-ton line at its Hai Phong plant in Vietnam. The Vietnam facility is intended to supply markets including North America, Europe, China, India and Southeast Asia. LG's functional-materials portfolio also includes PuroTec, an antimicrobial and antifungal material designed for use in plastics, paints and rubber, and Mineral Wash, an inorganic detergent ingredient designed to reduce the number of rinse cycles required in washing. "We will continue to develop functional material technologies that contribute to environmental conservation and addressing climate change, while expanding them into B2B business opportunities," said Choi Sung-bong, head of LG Electronics' Built-in and Cooking Solutions business. AJP Takeaways LG will deploy its mineral-releasing Marine Balance material across about 1.5 square kilometers off Goseong through 2029 to test its role in restoring marine ecosystems. The project doubles as a real-world test bed for a functional-materials business LG has developed since 1996, backed by about 420 related patents. LG is scaling the business beyond Korea, with annual functional-material production capacity of about 4,500 tons in Changwon and another 2,000 tons recently added in Vietnam. 2026-08-20 15:07:42
  • Who is Natalie Harp, Trumps Human Printer?
    Who is Natalie Harp, Trump's 'Human Printer'? Natalie Harp, 35, who manages Donald Trump's social media posts, is drawing attention in U.S. political circles.The BBC reported on August 19 that Harp is one of Trump's oldest and most loyal aides. She frequently types Trump's posts for Truth Social and often accompanies him on domestic and international trips.Recently, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia mentioned Harp in a speech criticizing Trump. Ossoff accused Trump of traveling with Harp on a new presidential plane provided by the King of Qatar. The BBC noted that Harp secretly changed planes with a small group of people when Trump left Turkey last month.Harp's rise as a close aide to Trump is linked to her battle with bone cancer. According to the BBC, she has publicly stated that Trump saved her life by allowing her to receive experimental treatment through the Right to Try Act established during his first administration. At the 2020 Republican National Convention, she said, "Without the president, I would have died waiting for the treatment to be approved." She later joined Trump's campaign advisory committee.After Trump lost the 2020 election, Harp hosted a program on the conservative network One America News (OAN). The BBC reported that during this time, she actively supported Trump and spread false claims that he won the 2020 election. In 2022, she left OAN to join Trump's next campaign.Harp's official title at the White House is presidential advisor, but her influence is considered to exceed her title. According to the BBC, White House reporters often see Harp standing next to Trump in the Oval Office or accompanying him on trips.Harp has been nicknamed the 'human printer' because she prints out articles and social media posts that Trump prefers using a portable printer. The BBC cited sources familiar with White House operations, stating that Harp has significant influence over what information and updates are conveyed to Trump.Harp also writes Trump's Truth Social posts. When Trump dictates content, she crafts the posts to match his style. As a result, she is sometimes referred to as a 'gatekeeper' or 'security blanket' within the White House.Maggie Haberman of The New York Times remarked that when asked why Trump brought Harp on a secret flight, she said, "She is sort of his binky, his security blanket."The BBC noted that little is publicly known about Harp's personal life, and much of what is known about Trump's views on her comes from anonymous sources in journalists' books.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:04:10
  • South Korea Launches $880 Million Long-Term Technology Investment Fund
    South Korea Launches $880 Million Long-Term Technology Investment Fund The South Korean government has officially begun establishing an $880 million 'long-term technology investment fund' aimed at investing in advanced industries that require extensive research and development over a period of up to 16 years. The fund will target sectors such as next-generation semiconductors, advanced biotechnology, and defense. This initiative seeks to address the limitations of existing policy financing, which has been overly focused on short-term results and returns, by providing 'patient capital' to support technology development from research to commercialization.On August 20, the Financial Services Commission announced the opening of applications for fund management companies, initiating the selection process. The long-term technology investment fund is part of the National Growth Fund's indirect investment program, with plans to raise a total of $880 million this year.A significant portion of the funding will come from policy funds, including $600 million from the Advanced Strategic Industry Fund and $80 million from the national budget, totaling $680 million to alleviate the fundraising burden on private management companies. Considering the characteristics of technology firms that require long-term investments, the investment period is set to a maximum of seven years, with the fund's lifespan established at 13 to 15 years, allowing for a one-year extension.Domestic technology companies often take more than ten years from startup to initial public offering (IPO) or commercialization, but existing financial markets have prioritized short-term performance and returns. The long-term technology investment fund aims to ensure continuous funding from the initial research and development (R&D) phase through scaling up to commercialization.Seven fund managers will be selected, divided into small and medium categories, with three chosen from the small category and four from the medium category. To encourage investment in companies with proven technology, those with a Technology Credit Rating (TCB) of TI5 or higher will be recognized as primary investment targets.The government is also taking steps to prevent investment concentration. It mandates that at least 40% of the primary investment amount be allocated to sectors outside of artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. This aims to broaden the investment base into areas like biotechnology and defense, which require long-term R&D.The government plans to begin disbursing funds as early as the end of the year, with final selections for fund managers expected in October. Additionally, the investment targets of the National Growth Fund will be gradually expanded, with plans to amend the Korea Development Bank Act to include advanced industries such as aerospace in the second half of the year.Industry experts anticipate that if the long-term technology investment fund operates as planned, it could provide much-needed financial relief to companies facing lengthy technology development periods and significant commercialization uncertainties. However, due to the nature of long-term investments, it may take considerable time for investment results to materialize, making the selection and post-management capabilities of fund managers critical to the fund's success. 2026-08-20 15:04:00
  • Han Yuwon Announces Recruitment for Small Business Live Commerce Support Program
    Han Yuwon Announces Recruitment for Small Business Live Commerce Support Program The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and its affiliate, the Korea Small Business Distribution Center, announced on the 20th that they are recruiting small businesses to participate in the 2026 'Live Commerce Production and Operation Support Project' until the 30th. This initiative is part of a program to support small businesses in expanding their online sales channels, collaborating with major domestic home shopping online malls to assist small businesses in live commerce broadcasting sales. Selected participants will receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from planning live commerce broadcasts to hiring hosts, production and transmission, and promotion. Sales commissions will be discounted. Participants can also receive additional support, such as exclusive planning events and short-form content production, utilizing the infrastructure of each online platform.Small businesses can apply by choosing the online platform they wish to broadcast on. The online companies participating in this year's project include Grip, Hyundai Home Shopping, Post Office Shopping, SK Stoa, NS Home Shopping, Oasis, Public Home Shopping, Gmarket, and Lotte ON. Lee Tae-sik, CEO of Han Yuwon, stated, "Live commerce is highly accessible, but there are barriers to entry for those starting alone. We will support multiple small businesses in gaining experience in live commerce so they can thrive independently in this market." 2026-08-20 15:04:00
  • Finance Ministry Strengthens Support for Exporting Companies in South Chungcheong
    Finance Ministry Strengthens Support for Exporting Companies in South Chungcheong The Export Plus Support Team of the Ministry of Finance has established a permanent cooperation channel with South Chungcheong Province to address challenges faced by local exporting companies and provide financial support.On August 20, the Export Plus Support Team announced that it held a regional export promotion cooperation meeting with South Chungcheong Province at the provincial government office. The meeting aimed to create a permanent cooperation channel to resolve issues faced by local exporting companies in collaboration with both the central and local governments.Bae Jeong-hoon, deputy head of the Export Plus Support Team, stated, "As the trade environment is rapidly changing, the challenges faced by companies are becoming more complex and diverse. Therefore, it is crucial to respond quickly to the needs of local export sites." He added that the team will continue to establish and expand cooperation channels with local governments, including the South Chungcheong provincial office.During the meeting, issues related to discovering and certifying overseas buyers, as well as online export support, were raised by the South Chungcheong Export Association.The support team provided information on regional certification system briefings and real-time issue reporting channels operated in collaboration with organizations such as KOTRA and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In response to the need for a communication channel for local exporting companies to engage with the support team, a cooperation officer was designated between South Chungcheong Province and the support team.With this collaboration, the number of metropolitan local governments that have established permanent cooperation channels with the support team has increased to five, including Gyeonggi Province, Jeju Province, North Chungcheong Province, North Jeolla Province, and South Chungcheong Province. The support team plans to complete the establishment of cooperation channels with nine provincial-level local governments by the end of this year, aiming to support local exporting companies to become a driving force for growth in the 5G and 3D sectors.On the same day, the support team also held a briefing on export finance programs for local exporting companies at the Daejeon Trade Center. This session was designed to assist local companies facing difficulties in obtaining information related to export finance or utilizing actual financial support programs.Deputy Head Bae emphasized, "It is important for policy finance institutions to lower barriers and reach out directly to local exporting companies," and stated that the team will continue to hold regional export finance program briefings throughout the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:00:20
  • Global Banks Lower Swap Costs for SK Hynix Leverage Bets Amid AI Stock Decline
    Global Banks Lower Swap Costs for SK Hynix Leverage Bets Amid AI Stock Decline Global banks have recently significantly reduced the swap transaction costs for foreign investors betting on SK Hynix's stock. According to Bloomberg on the 19th, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase are now offering rates approximately 150 to 300 basis points (1bp = 0.01 percentage points) above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for clients looking to invest in SK Hynix's domestic shares through swaps.This marks a substantial decrease compared to mid-June, when some banks demanded rates over 1000 basis points higher than SOFR for new swap transactions or contract renewals. Since May, SOFR has fluctuated between 3.50% and 3.69%.Swaps are derivatives that allow investors to gain returns based on stock price fluctuations without actually holding the shares. Due to capital regulations, taxes, anonymity, and leverage utilization, global funds often prefer swaps over direct stock purchases in markets like South Korea, China, and India.Previously, the surge in SK Hynix's stock price—nearly an 11-fold increase over the year leading up to June 22—due to the AI investment boom had driven up demand for leveraged investments. In response, banks expressed concern over excessive concentration in SK Hynix transactions, leading them to limit new swap deals or decline requests from certain clients.However, the situation has changed recently. Growing investor anxiety regarding AI-related stocks has led to a broader sell-off in global markets. Some banks that had previously declined transactions are now reportedly seeking to attract new clients again.According to data compiled by Bloomberg, the KOSPI index fell 22% last month, marking its largest monthly decline since October 2008. SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics together account for about half of the KOSPI's total market capitalization.The adjustment in tech stocks, coupled with SK Hynix's issuance of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) last month, has alleviated the concentration risk that banks were concerned about. The issuance provided investors with alternative investment options beyond domestic stock swaps, and the decline in AI stocks has led to a reduction in existing leveraged positions.In a recent survey conducted by Bank of America among fund managers in Asia, excluding Japan, a trend emerged where Asian investors are reducing their exposure to tech and cyclical stocks in favor of defensive stocks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:00:10
  • Apartment Prices in Seoul Surge 14.7% Under Lee Jae-myung Administration
    Apartment Prices in Seoul Surge 14.7% Under Lee Jae-myung Administration Apartment Prices in Seoul Surge 14.7% Under Lee Jae-myung Administration Since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, apartment prices in Seoul have risen approximately 14.7% over the past year. According to KB Real Estate, this marks the highest increase recorded in the first year of any government since the statistics began in 1986. Both jeonse (long-term lease) and monthly rental prices have also increased. During the same period, the average jeonse price for Seoul apartments rose by 6.77%, while monthly rents increased by 8.99%. This simultaneous rise in both sales and rental markets has led to what is being referred to as a 'triple increase' phenomenon. Seoul Apartment Prices Rise 14.73% in One Year According to KB Real Estate's monthly housing price statistics, the cumulative increase in Seoul apartment sales prices from May of last year to May of this year is 14.73%. This figure surpasses the initial year increases of previous administrations, with the Moon Jae-in administration at 9.41% and the Roh Moo-hyun administration at 11.68%. Notably, the price increases have varied significantly by region, with the outer areas of Seoul and non-Gangnam districts showing particularly strong growth. However, other surveys have indicated that prices in Seoul may have risen by over 15%. An analysis by Real Estate R114 from June 2025 to May 2026 found that apartment prices in Seoul increased by more than 15%, while national apartment prices rose by about 9%. In the Real Estate R114 survey, certain non-Gangnam districts such as Gwangjin, Dongjak, Jung, Gangdong, and Seongdong saw price increases exceeding 20%. In Gyeonggi Province, key areas like Seongnam, Gwangmyeong, Hanam, Anyang, Yongin, and Gwacheon also experienced price hikes of over 10%. It is important to note that it is not just sales prices that have risen. According to KB Real Estate, during the first year of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the average jeonse price for Seoul apartments increased by 6.77%. Monthly rents also rose by 8.99%, marking the highest increase rate recorded since KB began tracking rental prices in 2015. The rise in jeonse prices could impact the sales market as well. If jeonse prices continue to climb, tenants may face increased housing costs, potentially shifting some demand to the sales market. Recently, Seoul has seen a simultaneous shortage of jeonse listings and rising jeonse prices. Experts suggest that loan regulations and restrictions on multiple homeowners may have affected the supply of rental housing. Despite Government Regulations, Home Prices Continue to Climb Since taking office, the Lee Jae-myung administration has implemented various policies aimed at stabilizing the real estate market, including loan regulations, expanding land transaction permission zones, and increasing capital gains taxes for multiple homeowners. Notably, the June 27 real estate measures effectively imposed strict limits on mortgage loans in the metropolitan area, while the October 15 measures further expanded land transaction permission zones, reinforcing demand suppression policies. Despite these efforts, the upward trend in Seoul home prices has persisted. According to statistics from the Korea Real Estate Agency, the comprehensive sales price of homes in Seoul rose by 0.95% in June 2025 and 0.75% in July. Specifically, apartment prices increased by 1.44% in June and 1.09% in July. Although the rate of increase slowed after the June 27 measures, it remained significant. In the following months, the upward trend in Seoul home prices continued. The Korea Real Estate Agency reported that in June 2026, the comprehensive sales price of homes in Seoul rose by 1.03% in one month, while the metropolitan area saw a 0.67% increase and the national average rose by 0.33%. In July, KB Real Estate reported that the average sales price of Seoul apartments increased by 1.05% compared to the previous month, with significant increases in districts such as Jungnang (2.08%), Gangbuk (2.01%), and Seongbuk (1.85%). The key factor in this increase is that the price surge has been concentrated in Seoul and the metropolitan area, particularly in Seoul apartments. While the national housing market continues to struggle, only Seoul and certain metropolitan areas are experiencing strong price growth, leading to a widening gap in prices between regions. Data from KB Real Estate also shows that the price disparity between the top 20% and bottom 20% of apartments, measured by the quintile ratio, expanded from 11.6 times just before President Lee Jae-myung's inauguration to 13.4 times one year later. This indicates a growing asset gap between Seoul and other regions, as well as between high-end and mid-to-low priced housing. Ultimately, the biggest variables for the future of the real estate market will be whether the increase in housing supply translates into actual housing availability, how effectively loan and tax regulations can suppress buyer sentiment, and whether demand for housing in Seoul remains strong. Based on current statistics, it is clear that since the Lee Jae-myung administration took office, the Seoul apartment market has seen an increase of approximately 14.7% to 15%. The simultaneous rise in jeonse and monthly rents has also increased the burden of housing costs for residents in Seoul. 2026-08-20 14:56:10
  • Diverging Views on ETF Aftermarket Trading Among Asset Managers
    Diverging Views on ETF Aftermarket Trading Among Asset Managers The introduction of aftermarket trading for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the Korea Exchange has faced opposition from the asset management industry, delaying its planned launch in September. Meanwhile, reactions among asset managers regarding the potential trading on the alternative exchange, NextTrade, are mixed.According to the financial investment industry on August 20, the Korea Exchange's plan to implement aftermarket ETF trading from September has been postponed. Concerns arose due to restrictions on trading the underlying assets of ETFs after regular market hours, making it difficult to determine fair prices. Additionally, the lack of real-time indicative net asset value (iNAV) could lead to discrepancies between market prices and actual values. There are also worries about liquidity providers (LPs) needing to independently assess fair prices and the increased costs associated with extended operating hours.Particularly, the recent controversies surrounding single-stock leveraged ETFs have heightened the burden on asset managers. As a result, it is reported that asset managers have collectively decided not to participate in the ETF aftermarket trading on the Korea Exchange. However, industry sources clarify that while the September launch has been delayed, the concept of ETF aftermarket trading is not entirely off the table.In contrast, views on ETF trading at NextTrade appear to differ. NextTrade is considering the introduction of ETF trading by the end of this year, but it is still in the preparatory stage prior to submitting an approval application, and no specific timeline or participating asset managers have been confirmed.The differing trading structures being evaluated by the two exchanges are influencing asset managers' decisions. Under the Korea Exchange's policy, asset managers must propose the ETFs to be traded in the aftermarket and secure LPs directly. In contrast, NextTrade is reportedly considering selecting trading target ETFs and securing LPs based on its own criteria. This difference in who leads the trading targets and liquidity provision affects the roles and responsibilities that asset managers must assume.As a result, it remains uncertain whether the decision of asset managers to abstain from the Korea Exchange will apply to NextTrade as well. One industry insider noted, "NextTrade has a different approach compared to the Korea Exchange. If issues arise in the Korea Exchange, the initial complaints go to the asset managers, but in NextTrade, there is a degree of separation from the asset managers." Conversely, another industry source expressed skepticism, stating, "Like the Korea Exchange, it will be difficult for NextTrade to proceed with aftermarket ETF trading."NextTrade's preparations are not yet fully defined. A representative from NextTrade stated that they are in the preparatory phase before the approval application, emphasizing, "We are fundamentally pushing forward, but we cannot ignore recent developments." While aiming for a year-end launch, discussions with asset managers regarding participation have not yet begun in earnest. Another asset manager also reported that they have not yet received specific requests for discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 14:56:00
  • South Korea to trial selective volunteer military recruitment next year
    South Korea to trial selective volunteer military recruitment next year SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - South Korea will recruit about 3,000 technology-focused noncommissioned officers (NCOs) next year on a voluntary basis, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Thursday. The move is part of efforts to attract more skilled personnel through voluntary-based, selective recruitment. During a parliamentary hearing in Seoul, Ahn said the government plans to begin selective recruitment in 2027, with about 3,000 volunteers to be trained as technology-focused NCOs capable of operating advanced weapons systems. But the country will keep its current mandatory military service while giving eligible men the option of serving as regular soldiers or applying for technology-focused NCO positions with a three- or four-year service period. The NCOs would specialize in advanced fields such as manned-unmanned teaming, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). The plan is a key defense initiative of President Lee Jae Myung, who said last week that the country's persistently low birthrate is making it difficult to maintain its current manpower- and infantry-focused military structure. Lee called for the military to become a "smart, elite and powerful force" centered on advanced equipment and technology. The Defense Ministry is expected to unveil more detailed plans by the end of this year, with the new recruitment set to begin next year and be adjusted as needed. Rep. Jin Seong-joon of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), who chairs the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, told AJP, "It's about time it was introduced," referring to the proposal for selective volunteer recruitment. "I believe it should be implemented to secure the skilled military personnel our armed forces lack," Jin added. Meanwhile, during the hearing, Ahn estimated that North Korea has 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, higher than the 57 cited by U.S. President Donald Trump a day earlier. When asked about the discrepancy, Ahn said the figures "appear to be slightly different," adding that it was difficult to provide an exact figure. He stressed, however, that Seoul does not officially recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. 2026-08-20 14:51:19